Experimental Method

Question 1

What is the Experimental Method?

Answer 1

Research method used to demonstrate a cause and effect relationship (between 2 variables)

• Changes one variable (independent) to see how it affects the other variable (dependent)
• Other conditions stay the same so date is correct

Question 2

Types of Variables (3)

Answer 2

Independent - purposefully manipulated
Dependent - observe for change from independent
Extraneous - variable not being studied; if not controlled could affect outcome (AKA confounding variable)

Question 3

What are Experimental Controls?

Answer 3

-Strategies and procedures that help minimize the possibility of extraneous factors/uncontrolled factors influencing the outcome

Question 4

What are Placebos?

Answer 4

• fake substance, treatment, or procedure that has no known direct affects
• subjects exposed to placebos still experience affects

Question 5

What is the Practice Effect?

Answer 5

Any change in performance b/c repetition of task

-Subjects get better b/c they got practice, not b/c of whatever the experiment was studying.

Question 6

What is Random Assignment?

Answer 6

Participants have equal chances to be assigned to any experimental group; less/ no bias.

Question 7

What is the Double-Blind Technique?

Answer 7

Both participants and researchers are unaware of treatment/condition the participants were assigned

Question 8

Control Group

Answer 8

Baseline that changes can be compared to

-Go through the same phases but not exposed to independent variable.

Question 9

Positive Correlation

Answer 9

2 factors vary systematically in same direction (increasing or decreasing) together

Question 10

Negative Correlation

Answer 10

2 factors vary systematically in opposite directions (one increasing, one decreasing)

Question 11

Bias

Answer 11

Should be objective!

Views and opinions of researchers shouldn’t skew experiences.

Question 12

Correlational Studies

Answer 12

• Non-experimental, measures 2 variables and the relationship between them with little or no control over extraneous variables
• Used if can’t control independent independent variable
• Main characteristic would be both variables are measured

Question 13

Types of Data

Answer 13

Quantitative - measures of values/counts, expressed as numbers
Qualitative - approximates and characteristics, observed and recorded, non-numerical in nature.
GOOD STUDIES HAVE BOTH!